Despite economic problems, newly elected Yolo County Supervisor Jim Provenza shared his positive attitude with those in attendance of his oath of office ceremony on Monday.

“I”ve been told by so many people that this is a difficult time to enter the Board of Supervisors,” he said in the atrium of the Yolo County Administration Building. Provenza is the supervisor for the Fourth District.

Provenza, who was sworn-in by Presiding Judge David Rosenberg, said that financial crisis in the county, state and nation allows public officials to make positive changes in their communities.

“We have an opportunity to lead in a way that will take care of the neediest,” he said.

County officials will also be motivated to change the way that they relate with each other, and start working together to better serve their districts, Provenza said.

Susan Patenaude-Vigil, assistant clerk-record, led the ceremony, which also included the swearing-in of judges Arvid Johnson and Stephen Mock and supervisors Mike McGowan and Duane Chamberlain. Judges Timothy Fall and Steven Basha were sworn-in earlier that morning.

The oath that each official signed included provisions about abiding by the U.S. Constitution and not letting personal feelings getting in the way of performing the job as public officials.

Chamberlain said that the text of the oath fully applies to his specific responsibilities as a supervisor because he has to keep the constitution and his constituents in mind when making any decision.

“We need to find out what the people want and support it,” he said.

Provenza also said that a big part of his job as supervisor is respecting the Constitution and the people that he represents.

His goals as supervisor include supporting agriculture and helping make it a sustainable industry for farmers, he said. Another priority is making sure low-income families and seniors have proper care.

Provenza said that he considers himself lucky to live in a country that has a constitution that states people”s rights.